While Tottenham have made undeniably progress under Antonio Conte and are now one of the favorites to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, things are already starting to look bleak for the north London giants under the Italian's reign.
"Why?" one might ask. The former Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan boss is one of the best current managers in world football, having won both the Premier League and Serie A – the latter success was enjoyed with two different clubs.
The reason is simple: murmurs claiming Conte will walk if Spurs fail to back him in the transfer window have already begun emerging. David Ornstein of the Athletic initially brought these rumors to the big screen, with the well-respected journalist revealing on Sky Sports that there have been suggestions Conte could quit.
The latest allegation now comes from the Sun, with the British tabloid reporting that the Italian has flirted with the idea of quitting if Daniel Levy fails to provide him with funds to spend in the transfer window as early as this month. One might be taken aback by this given that the 52-year-old has only been in north London for 10 weeks, but the highly-rated tactician has made his frustrations with the current squad clear to the public.
When asked if Tottenham should match his ambition and desire to win after their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea, Conte said: "Yeah, for sure.
"I don't lose my ambition. I like to fight and to be competitive.
"I know there is only one team that can lift trophies at the end of the season.
"But I don't want to lose my characteristic.
"I don't want to lose my will, my desire. Otherwise I will go against myself.
"I want to keep this characteristic as a winner."
The Italian is adamant on bolstering Spurs' defense and is keen on signing Wolves ace Adama Traore. However, with the club looking to offload the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli, Levy might not be able to offer Antonio what he wants until he sells a few players.
Given the manner in which Conte left Chelsea and, more recently, Inter Milan, it isn't hard to see where these rumors are coming for. However, they are merely that as of now – rumors. Should Tottenham win their games in hand, then Harry Kane and Co. will leapfrog the likes of Arsenal and West Ham in the standings, putting them in the driving seat to qualify for the Champions League next season. That would grant the club both the funds and pull needed to attract quality players. Whether the Italian boss will offer Spurs patience or not, time will tell.
